Martin luther and the justice of god: a theological essay based on the biography of the reformer

Authors

  • Wilhelm Wachholz Escola Superior de Teologia – EST, Rio Grande do Sul, (Brasil)

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.19141/1809-2454.kerygma.v19.n1.pe1664

Keywords:

Luther, Reformation, Biography, Theology

Abstract

The essay examines Martin Luther’s theology through his personal journey and the medieval context, highlighting a religiosity shaped by merit-based practices mediated by the Church. Immersed in this system, Luther experienced a spiritual crisis that led him to rediscover the “justice of God” as a gracious gift accessible through faith. His critique of the “mathematics of salvation” rejects religious self-referentiality and proposes a faith centered on grace and Christian freedom. Beyond questioning the theological use of power, Luther advocated for a theology that restores God in His fullness of grace and justice. The essay argues that this legacy remains relevant, offering insightful reflections on ethics, spirituality, and society.

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Author Biography

Wilhelm Wachholz, Escola Superior de Teologia – EST, Rio Grande do Sul, (Brasil)

Doutorado em Teologia pela Escola Superior de Teologia.Professor e reitor da Escola Superior de Teologia – EST, Rio Grande do Sul, (Brasil). Membro do Global Network Research Center for Theology Religious and Christian Studies e Presidente da CEOL (Comissão Editorial Obras de Martinho Lutero).

References

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WESTHELLE, V. Poder e política: incursões na teologia de Lutero. In: HELMER, Christine (ed.). Lutero: um teólogo para tempos modernos. São Leopoldo: Sinodal, 2013. p. 315-331.

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Published

2024-12-21

How to Cite

WACHHOLZ, W. Martin luther and the justice of god: a theological essay based on the biography of the reformer. Kerygma, Engenheiro Coelho, SP, v. 19, n. 1, p. e1664, 2024. DOI: 10.19141/1809-2454.kerygma.v19.n1.pe1664. Disponível em: https://revistas.unasp.edu.br/kerygma/article/view/1664. Acesso em: 27 jan. 2026.

Issue

Vol. 19 No. 1 (2024): Fluxo contínuo

Section

Artigos

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